Captain Richard Draper

Captain Richard Draper has had a passion for fishing since his first catch in a minnow net wading the creeks in his home state of Texas as a child.  I’m just drawn to the water, fishing; any type of fishing brings the child out in me. Growing up in Texas — Richard became an avid bass angler and very successful tournament fisherman — in fresh and saltwater.

Richard says “Tournament fishing taught me the importance of attention to detail’’, from rigging to the proper equipment setup, no detail is too small; no time is ever wasted.  I came to Venice in 1995 for the first time and after the first morning I knew this was it, paradise found, “The Tuna Fishing of Capital of the World’’ and lands’ end.  Guiding professionally and providing that “first time” for so many people brings a smile to my face, it’s why we are here.  

Charter trips are $2000 + fuel per day.  Each boat holds up to six passengers.  Fuel averages 200 - 250 gallons per day.

Richard's boat has a dual row of seats, and a full electric head. It is powered by quad Mercury 400s.  

A 4% processing fee is charged on all credit card orders. Charter trips must be secured with a credit card and deposits must be paid by booking online. Deposits must be paid by credit card. Balances on each trip may be paid by cash, check, or credit card.

Fees include the guided trip plus all fishing tackle, bait, ice for the fish box on the boat and fish cleaning and bagging at the dock.

His boat, the f/v “Shockwave”, is a 42-Ft Freeman outfitted with latest Simrad electronics, tackle by Shimano, Mustad, Seagaur. It also has dual row seats under canopy, a full electric head, and comfy bean bag chairs from E-Sea Rider.  

Captain Richard Draper says:

• Leave the details to me, it’s what I do


• I have everything covered for whatever you choose to target, Venice, such a phenomenal fishery


• Sit back and enjoy the ride, it’s the best Venice has to offer


• Keep your eyes open, every trip brings a new adventure, something really cool is just waiting to happen over the next wave

Anglers can expect a full day of “Go Hard or Go Home attitude” when fishing with Richard.  We will get an early start, fish hard all day, make the runs necessary to find the fish and come home happy. Going the extra mile is the standard to assure a great time for all.